Among the other lessons learned during the past three weeks of turmoil in Congress is that the political landscape isn’t exactly overrun with profiles in courage. (And the after-action acknowledgments by Republican leaders that they “always knew” how the government shutdown/debt limit crisis would end isn’t a sign of spine.)

One who did show his mettle, however, was Rep. Adam Kinzinger, the Channahon Republican whose congressional district includes a chunk of the Rockford area. Kinzinger didn’t just vote for the deal that ended the shutdown. He also called out the nihilists in his own party. We’re talking about you, Ted Cruz.

In ordinary times, Kinzinger’s decision to do what’s right for the nation by refusing to cede his brain and conscience to the biggest bullies in the Republican caucus might not be remarkable.

But these aren’t ordinary times. Kinzinger knows he faces a primary challenge from David Hale, a Rockford tea party activist who accused the congressman of throwing his colleagues under the bus for political gain.

So for speaking the truth despite the risk, hats off to you, congressman.